My son is flying VX from SFO-LAS-SFO with the outbound on Friday. He just got what I think is a snarky email from VX informing him he was on the dark plane -- clearly the email was intended to relieve them of any liability for sneaking the plane in. Here it is:
Due to delays in the modification of our new planes, the inflight entertainment and select other in-seat services will not be available on your upcoming Virgin America flight. This includes the Red Inflight Entertainment system, which normally features satellite TV, movies, games, Google Maps and a food ordering system. In addition, the plugs at every seat for electronic gear will not be operational for the flight. Why are we sending you this message? We want you to be prepared to have your laptop or iPod fully charged, and ensure you have the latest magazines or newspapers to read while onboard your flight. We'll do our best to provide some reading material onboard in case you forget.
We make millions of dollars in high-tech modifications to each one of Virgin America's brand new planes and we appreciate your patience with us as we finalize this modification process across our brand new fleet. Thank you again for your patience and we look forward to welcoming you on Virgin America.
The Guest Services Team
No mention of any alternatives, no mention of any compensation no matter how minor, and -- of course -- long after he has made plans to meet up with a friend so it's hard to change flights. Of course, I guess he can rely on VX to provide "do our best to provide some reading material," wow!
Not impressive, I'd at least offer free snacks or something, since they are charging the same as if he was on a flight WITH all those systems and didn't notify him at time of booking (presumably for the reasons stated earlier in this thread). He's not a happy camper.
Hence, no choice, no nothing, if he can't change flights?